Jack McCracken
Inducted:
1962
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Born:
June 15,1912
Chickasha, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died:
January 5,1958
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Position:
Forward
College:
Northwest Missouri State (1929–1932)
Jack McCracken was one of the greatest amateur basketball players of the pre-NBA era and was renowned for his exceptional leaping ability, deadly two-handed set shot and all-around offensive skills. Playing under legendary coach Hank Iba, he led Northwest Missouri State to a 43-game winning streak and a perfect 31–0 season.
McCracken later starred in AAU basketball with the Denver Safeway and Denver Nuggets, winning three AAU National Championships and earning recognition as one of the finest players of his generation. In 1939, McCracken was named the Most Valuable Player of the AAU tournament, leading his Denver Nuggets to the national championship, cementing his legacy as one of basketball's earliest superstars.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1962.
McCracken's Awards and Honors
- 1939 AAU Tournament MVP
- 6 AAU All-America
- 3 First Team All-MIAA
- Led Northwest Missouri State to a 43-game winning streak and a 31–0 undefeated season
- Named the All-Time Greatest Player in AAU history (1939)
- Regarded as one of the greatest amateur basketball players of the pre-NBA era
NBA Teams
Denver Safeway
Denver Nuggets
Number Worn:
3
NBA Stats
Career/Tenor:
1929-1945
Seasons Played:
12 (AAU Career)
All-Star Selections:
8× AAU All-American